What is shingles?
Shingles develops when the chickenpox virus that has lain dormant in the body reactivates. It shows up as a painful, burning blistering rash arranged in a band on one side of the body. Tingling or pain is often felt before the rash appears. Treatment started early reduces pain and the risk of complications, so it's important not to delay.
Common signs
What encourages a flare-up
Shingles comes from a virus already in the body that reactivates when the immune system is weakened. Assessing the risk and starting treatment in time is the most important thing you can do.
A dormant virus
After chickenpox, the virus stays in the body and can reactivate even decades later.
A weakened immune system
Illness, fatigue or treatment that lowers the immune system's resilience all increase the risk.
Stress
Severe or prolonged stress is often a factor that triggers the virus to reactivate.
Older age
With age the immune system loses some of its protective function, so the risk increases.
How we treat shingles
The most important thing is to assess and start treatment as early as possible. The dermatologist quickly assesses the rash, prescribes treatment to manage the pain and the virus, and explains when further medical care is essential.
Prescription antiviral treatment is most effective in the first few days after the rash appears. Delay reduces how well treatment works and raises the risk of long-term pain.
How treatment works
The dermatologist recognises shingles from photos and symptoms so that treatment can start in time.
Prescription treatment is given, most effective in the first few days - it shortens the rash and reduces pain.
A plan is drawn up to manage pain effectively throughout the healing period.
We explain when a rash near the eye or severe pain calls for urgent care.
If needed, we provide a consultation about lingering pain, which sometimes remains even after the sores have healed.
iThe iDerma advantage
Experienced skin specialists
Our team is made up of doctors who treat viral and inflammatory skin conditions every day.
A fast assessment
You receive a reply and a treatment plan within 24 hours, when every day counts.
A prescription if needed
If needed, the dermatologist prescribes treatment directly and remotely.
Confidential and secure
Your photos and personal data are handled securely and confidentially.
Money-back guarantee
If we are unable to provide the consultation remotely, we refund you 100%.
An assessment from home
You fill in a form, attach photos of the rash and receive an assessment without leaving home.
Doctors, treating shingles
"A fast assessment and a clear treatment direction - exactly what you need when every day counts."
About usService pricing
Initial dermatologist consultation
45,00 €Follow-up consultation
A later visit for the same conditionAny follow-up questions straight after your consultation are free. A repeat consultation is only needed when your condition is being reassessed.
With a 100% money-back guarantee if we are unable to provide the consultation remotely.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why is it important to act quickly?
Antiviral treatment is most effective in the first few days after the rash starts, so an early assessment is important.
2. Is shingles contagious?
For someone who has never had chickenpox and isn't vaccinated, contact with the fluid from the blisters can cause chickenpox.
3. Does the rash come back?
For most people shingles happens once, but if the immune system weakens it can recur.
4. When is urgent care needed?
If the rash appears near the eye, or is accompanied by very severe pain and feeling unwell, you should seek help immediately.
5. Can it be assessed remotely?
Yes. The dermatologist assesses the rash from photos and prescribes treatment, or advises when urgent care is needed.
6. How much does a consultation cost?
An iDerma initial dermatologist consultation is an affordable fixed price, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.